Lee Roy Selmon suffers stroke; condition uncertain

Tragic news on the eve of USF football's season opener, as Lee Roy Selmon, the Bucs star and Pro Football Hall of Famer who helped the Bulls launch their football program in 1997, suffered a stroke and was hospitalized in Tampa.

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A publicist for his chain of restaurants initially told the Times that Selmon had died and issued a lengthy news release with comments about Selmon's passing, but has since posted on Twitter.com that "it appears that the original statement about (Selmon's) passing was prematurely released. Awaiting further information."

USF spokesman Michael Hoad said at 8:20 p.m. that Selmon was in "extremely critical condition." Selmon, 56, has worked at USF since 1993 and was the school's athletic director from 2001-04, most recently leading the department's fundraising efforts since he stepped down as athletic director. His son, Lee Roy Selmon Jr., played defensive tackle for the Bulls from 1999-2004.

USF's athletic department issued a statement with a statement from President Judy Genshaft and athletic director Doug Woolard: "Our thoughts and prayers are with Lee Roy and his family. We are honoring the family's request for privacy at this time."

Just last week, Selmon was recognized at USF's first Football Kickoff Dinner, which drew 450 supporters to the A La Carte Pavilion in Tampa.

"What a tremendous individual Lee Roy Selmon is," former Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz said that night. "To have the chance to sit there and visit with him. You talk about class (in) the people I've been fortunate to come into contact with at South Florida."

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